Real World Risks (Pic Included)

Whenever I read about building codes I sometimes wonder what the implications are for when they aren't followed. I wonder this because I know that the codes exist for a reason, and sometimes for many reasons. In plumbing doing certain things the wrong way can cause a vacuum that can pull the water out of your p-trap, thus allowing sewer gas into your home, for example.

So I find it interesting, and it makes me wonder, based on the photo below, what would be the real world implications of what I believe is a code violation.

Background: This is not my home, it's a friends and I believe it was built in the late seventies, let's say 1979 for sake of argument. I'm not totally sure if this is how the wiring was when it was built, but it certainly hasn't been changed in the past ten years that I've known this person. That means that even though I believe this to be a code violation, at least by todays code, it's never been a problem all of these years. That makes me wonder, what would be the possible implications of this wiring setup.

Also, it's my understanding that splices should be in an accessible junction box, and probably be connected with wire nuts. The photo below shows wiring that is normally inaccessible. These wires run from the ceiling, one of the splices powers a central gas heater, and I believe the other goes to a bathroom.

Junctions should be in boxes, and the box must be accessable (i.e., the cover able to be opened). they may have soldered the connection, or crimped. It doesn't look thick enough to have a wire nut under the tape.

Do you really believe that someone who would put a wire in like that would even know HOW to solder it? And what was your first clue that it might NOT be installed to code? I am surprised they did not put that wire in a shower to make it a complete hazard. As far as "heat melting the solder", heat only occurs with loose connections.

The right way to make a solder connection, is to start with a good physical connection. The solder is just there to prevent oxidation and not to carry much of the current. If the conductor heats up enough to melt the solder, there are bigger problems to worry about.

The right way to make a solder connection, is to start with a good physical connection. The solder is just there to prevent oxidation and not to carry much of the current. If the conductor heats up enough to melt the solder, there are bigger problems to worry about.